Women, children and religious minorities will be prioritised in a new UK resettlement scheme for 20,000 Afghan refugees, Boris Johnson will announce, acknowledging that those who helped the western coalition over two decades are now most at risk from the Taliban takeover. The home secretary, Priti Patel, said refugees could “start a new life in safety in the UK, away from the tyranny and oppression they now face”. “If the Canadians can take 20,000, why are we only taking 20,000 over five years?” the Labour peer said. The scheme will allow 20,000 Afghans to settle in the UK, expected to happen over five years. Canada announced it will take 20,000 Afghan refugees and the US appears likely to resettle up to 30,000.

Source: The Guardian August 17, 2021 21:22 UTC